Automated Flight Data Tracking System Reducing Pilot Workload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking aircraft flight data require pilots to manually input 'as-flown' data, increasing workload and diverting attention from more critical tasks, and are not efficient in utilizing the pilot's limited time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically receive and compare predicted and actual flight data, providing them together in a common computer-based medium, reducing the need for manual input and enhancing data tracking efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots manually input as-flown data for flight parameters, then flight data tracking is achieved, but pilot workload increases and attention is diverted from critical tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically capturing flight data from aircraft systems and databases without requiring pilot intervention. The computer receives flight information automatically, compares it with actual flight data, and generates reports autonomously, freeing pilots from manual data entry while maintaining accurate tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of data entry with an automated electronic system. Instead of pilots physically entering data into forms, the system uses computers to automatically receive, process, and compare flight data from aircraft systems, eliminating the need for manual transcription and reducing pilot workload
2Reliability
If pilots manually enter flight data on forms, then flight record keeping is accomplished, but the pilot's limited time is not used efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs flight record keeping autonomously by automatically receiving flight information from aircraft systems, comparing it with planned flight data, and generating required reports. This self-service capability ensures reliable record keeping while eliminating the time pilots would spend on manual data entry and form completion
3Loss of information
If manual data entry is used for flight parameters, then flight information is recorded, but the process is time-consuming and diverts pilot attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry with an automated electronic data capture system. The computer automatically receives flight information from aircraft systems during the flight, eliminating the time-consuming manual transcription process while ensuring complete and accurate capture of all flight parameters without diverting pilot attention
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for automatically tracking information during flight are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes receiving first information corresponding to a proposed aspect of a flight of the aircraft and including at least one target value. The method can further include automatically receiving second information that includes an actual value corresponding to the at least one target value, as the aircraft executes the flight. The at least one target value and the actual value can be provided together in a common computer-based medium.